Langdale Way resident killed himself with a shot gun in Frodsham

Jun 17 2010 by Paul Mannion, Chester Chronicle

A TERMINALLY ill pensioner killed himself with a shotgun at his Frodsham home on Friday.

Patrick John Pearce, 65, who was married to Anne and had two daughters, lived on Langdale Way, Frodsham, across the road from Frodsham Manor House Primary School.

It is believed Mr Pearce – who had battled cancer for about 20 years – left the house, carrying the legally-owned weapon into the back garden, before shooting himself. His daughter found the body.

A neighbour said Mr Pearce was a former ICI worker” who was ill for a long time after being diagnosed with cancer, and described him as ‘being given a death sentence 20 years ago’.

Other residents paid tribute to Mr Pearce, saying he was ‘very determined’, ‘very private’ and ‘very brave’.

Cheshire Police spokesperson Shelley Williams said: “At 3.15pm on Friday police and ambulance officers attended a report of a deceased man in the grounds of a house on Langdale Way, Frodsham. A firearm had been discharged at the location.

“There were no other persons involved or present in the incident, no injury to any other person other than the deceased and at no point did the male leave the grounds of his property.

“There does not appear to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident and the deceased’s next of kin have been informed.”

Cheshire coroners court said an inquest was formerly opened and adjourned yesterday morning.